Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Nootropic Agent Noopept on Depression and Mood Disorders: An Investigative Analysis

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the potential impact of noopept, a synthetic peptide and nootropic agent, on the treatment of depression and mood disorders. Despite a substantial body of research on noopept, the initial investigations focused predominantly on animal models. However, more recent research has investigated its efficacy in humans. Noopept has been shown to enhance acetylcholine signalling, increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), protect against glutamate toxicity, and increase inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. Depression is a common mental disorder characterised by low mood, altered sleep patterns, psychomotor retardation, cognitive sluggishness, and dysregulation of appetite and libido. Despite the fact that noopept is primarily investigated for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, its potential for treating depression and mood disorders remains unexplored. This article examines the potential therapeutic effects of noopept on depression and emphasises the need for additional research in this area.